“Star Wars” for the next generation

Brett and I on the night of the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” premiere.

The first time he watched “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” trailer, and that famous music blared through the speakers, his eyes glistened with nostalgia and awe. When tickets went on sale the month before the movie was set to release, we jumped online right away, scrambling to find the perfect seats. With our tickets securely in our grasp, he gave me the biggest hug and smile. It was like my 27-year-old husband had been transformed back into his 10-year-old self, eagerly awaiting the day when his favorite movie would be released.

I have never been much of a “Star Wars” fan. My parents had never watched the movies, and the later episodes were something I caught bits and pieces of when it was on TV. I won a lot of brownie points with Brett when we first started dating due to my love of “Lord of the Rings,” Marvel films, “Harry Potter,” etc. But when he discovered I had never really watched “Star Wars,” his eyes bulged and he sputtered in protest. Needless to say, a marathon of all six movies ensued soon after. I liked them, but they didn’t automatically make their way onto my list of favorite movies of all time.

But then the hype for the new “Star Wars” film began, and I couldn’t help but jump on the bandwagon. Perhaps it’s because the longer I have been with Brett, the more I learn more about myself and have fallen in love with so many things considered “nerdy.” Or it could also be that I love how excited my husband gets when he watches the movies over and over again. His excitement is contagious, and I found myself eagerly reading articles about the new movie and sharing tidbits with him that I had discovered.

I absolutely loved the latest movie, and we have already seen it three times. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have jumped on the “Star Wars” bandwagon very late in the game. There are a plethora of reasons for why I consider this latest installment to be awesome, but the number one reason I now adore this film franchise is because of our son. He may not be here yet, but just like his father before him, I want him to grow up watching these movies with his dad, standing in line the night of the premiere to see the next film and imagining that he is a Jedi. For me, I will never forget seeing every “Harry Potter” movie with my dad in theaters. For Brett, it was “Star Wars.” Even though we live seven hours from his parents, Brett made sure plans were in place so that he and his dad could watch “The Force Awakens” together. It’s what they have always done, and I know it’s something they will continue to do. And I can’t wait for the moment our son can be a part of that. When our little boy hears that famous music and watches that scrolling text, I know how happy that will make his dad, because “Star Wars” is part of his family legacy. Being able to not only witness this bond form over three generations and being a part of it has and will forever make me a “Star Wars” fan.